THE Philippine music scene is indeed thriving with the arrival of new generation artists who have their eyes on making a name for themselves in today’s industry.
Seven skilled artists—Gilly, Lex, Dean, Clyde, Gab, Joshuel, and Rave—illuminated the P-pop scene with their arrival in April 2024, debuting as rookie boy group ECLYPSE under GKD Labels.
Like eclipses that can either brighten or darken the skies, ECLYPSE explores light and dark concepts in its discography, as seen in its debut singles “MASCOT” and “Shake It Down.”
“MASCOT” is a song with cheerful and energetic melodies that can lift one’s spirits, while “Shake It Down” exudes a powerful and intense energy as it talks about breaking down barriers and stereotypes.
Since its debut, the septet continues to promote its music through live performances and media appearances, and their fans, MOONLYTES, couldn’t be more proud of their favorite idols.
Of course, RepublicAsia did not miss the opportunity to get to know more about ECLYPSE—from its pre-debut challenges, to officially entering the P-pop scene, and its plans.
With the release of their debut songs, the question now is: what is next for ECLYPSE?
More songs in different genres
If there is one thing the group could promise to its fans, it would be more music in different genres, particularly Filipino songs, said Dean.
“We are working on a lot of things, especially music, songs in general,” the member said. “Kung ano yung nakita niyo sa ‘MASCOT’ and ‘Shake It Down,’ expect what you can expect after pa nung dalawang ‘yan na sobrang different from each other.”
But their forthcoming songs will not only center on the group’s narratives and feelings. Lex said they hope to relate more with MOONLYTES as they aim to touch on “timely” and “relevant” discussions in their discography.
“We will connect more and we will cater more [to] their timely and very relevant personalities. Minsan kasi–I mean not all, but most of the time, songs should be tackling stuff na very relevant like kung ano yung issue ngayon or kung ano yung dapat pinag-uusapan,” he said.
He continued, “And some songs are made to be that way so dapat parang hindi talaga tayo matakot, and one thing we can promise is we will do that, [we] will create songs that are really tackling relevant stuff.”
ECLYPSE expressed its willingness to explore more concepts in its music, with Gab agreeing that they should express every emotion and feeling since all of these are “valid.”
Collab wishlist
More and more Filipino artists are making waves both in local and international music scenes, and fans can’t help but be in awe of their immense talents.
Likewise, the ECLYPSE members have Filipino artists in mind who they look up to and wish to collaborate with in the future. Among them are OPM icon Arnel Pineda, Tony Award-winning Broadway star Lea Salonga, and the country’s “Mr. Pure Energy” Gary Valenciano.
The group also went for big names in the international music scene like K-pop powerhouse BTS, American pop star Ariana Grande, GRAMMY Award-winning singer Bruno Mars, and British singer-songwriter Bruno Major for their collaboration wishlist.
These team-ups, which we hope will come true someday, would showcase the ECLYPSE’s versatility in performing various music genres.
“If it’s Lea Salonga, it would be inclined [toward] a musical, ballad musical, and more heartfelt–like a more inside emotion,” Lex suggested. “And if it’s like a pop star, maybe we can merge some positive songs like pop songs talaga, upbeat na magbibigay ng good feeling.”
Since the group likes surprises, Dean brought up the idea of detouring to a music genre that is not the artists’ usual repertoire. For example, ECLYPSE performing a rock song with Salonga.
“Malay niyo gulatin namin kayo mag rock song kami with Lea Salonga, ‘di ba? We’re not closing doors in anything and [malay niyo] gusto din ni Ms. Lea, ‘Tara rock song,’” he said.
“We’re very willing [to do it], and syempre, once nandoon na tayo, we’ll see kung ano pa yung malalabas namin,” he added.
Be the ‘change’
Artists and fans witness how the P-pop scene is growing, but no one truly knows what will happen to it in the future.
But with its talents and hard work, the rookie group said it would make sure to leave a legacy in the music industry that would be passed on from generation to generation.
Lex said they hope to produce not only “timely and relevant” songs but also “timeless and classic” songs.
“Kahit sa susunod na generation, kahit yung mga sisilang pa lang, yung mga kids na baka hindi na kami kilala by that time, they may be listening to our songs and feel connected pa rin, like feel that they’re loved, feel that they’re valid, they’re relevant–I think ‘yun yung gusto namin i-contribute sa future as a P-pop group,” he stressed.
ECLYPSE also envisioned P-pop to be “the change” in the music industry, noting its big potential to make a positive impact and use influence for a greater purpose.
“We believe that P-pop is just starting pa lang and we hope na in the future of P-pop, magkakaroon pa tayo nang maraming mga platforms to show and appreciate the Filipino culture, the Filipino talents, the Filipino artist, and we really make sure that will happen,” Gilly said.
Dean echoed this and said they will “work hard” to bring P-pop to the next level.
